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A South Shore derailment photo gallery
One hand would suffice to re-rail a train at 1/87 the size while cranes are required for full scale trains with track and catenary repairs.
Mr Vinson sounds like what they needed was an 87/1 0-5-0 switcher! 
The photo set by Mr. Stahl is impressive, especially the second shot. That picture apparently shows the switch points as “pickable.” Great photography!
It is a good thing it didn’t happen during the festivities, trapping all those Indiana folks in Chicago! Alternate transportation and overnight accommodations would have been in short supply.